OMAR REKIK is reportedly a free agent after RIPPING UP his Arsenal contract.
The defender joined the Gunners in January 2021 with the hopes of breaking into the first team.
But the 22-year-old wonderkid, like many other youngsters at the Emirates as of late, has failed to make an impression on Mikel Arteta and graduate into the first-team squad.
The centre-back has had FOUR loan spells throughout his time at the club, enjoying stints with Sparta Rotterdam, Jong Sparta, Wigan Athletic and Servette.
But he’s said to have grown frustrated by his lack of progression at the club and asked to leave.
That’s according to Fabrizio Romano, who claims the Dutchman’s wish to have his contract terminated was granted by the Arsenal brass.
He wrote on X: “Omar Rekik, [is] no longer an Arsenal player as [his] contract was terminated on mutual agreement yesterday.
“Rekik [is] now available as [a] free agent after his specific request to leave and try [a] new chapter.”
The Emirates faithful were quick to react, with one saying: “Interesting, another youth player leaves.”
Another said: “An amazing player.”
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ARSENAL drew 1-1 with Brighton in a game that turned when Declan Rice was sent off for a daft second booking.
Here, we take a look at how the players rated…
David Raya – 6/10
Initially had very little to do but was solid on the few occasions he was called upon. Denied Yankuba Minteh in the first half with a routine save.
Stopped his side from going 2-1 down in the 75th minute, brilliantly saving Yasin Ayari’s shot at a largely open goal.
Ben White – 6
Spent large portions of the match in the Brighton half supporting Saka.
Was solid defensively against the tricky Karou Mitoma.
William Saliba – 6
Continues to show an incredible ability to read the game and positional awareness. Thwarted the few Brighton attacks which managed to make their way into the box before Rice’s red.
Gabriel – 5
Marshalled the defence well with Saliba but seldom found himself in a one-on-one situation before Rice’s red. Was too far apart from the Frenchman in the build-up to Brighton’s equaliser.
Jurrien Timber – 6
Switched off and allowed Minteh to ghost in behind him for a header early in the first half but was solid after that lapse in concentration.
Martin Odegaard – 7
Was at the centre of everything good the Gunners did, pulling the strings from the first minute of the match.
Should’ve put his side ahead in the 17th minute when he ghosted onto a cross into the box.
Thomas Partey – 6
Anchored the midfield well and showed new signing Mikel Merino that he won’t give up his place in the starting XI without a fight.
Declan Rice – 4
Tenacious on the left side of the midfield and was a threat going forward in the first half.
Stupidly put his team under pressure just after the restart by getting himself sent off for kicking the ball away.
Bukayo Saka – 7
Was lively from the outset, tormenting Seagulls left-back Jack Hinshelwood every time he ran at him.
Should have scored in the eighth minute when Odeegard beautifully teed him up for a close-range effort.
Made up for his poor finish with a stellar assist for Havertz after bullying Lewis Dunk off the ball. Should’ve got a better connection on Havertz’s 77th-minute cross to restore the North Londoners’ lead.
Kai Havertz – 8
Was anonymous for large portions of the match but constantly made his brilliant runs in behind which created space for his team-mates.
Produced a deft finish over the advancing Bart Verbruggen in the 37th minute to break the deadlock.
But he missed a sitter in the 75th minute that would’ve restored his side’s advantage.
Leandro Trossard – 6
Struggled to get into the match against his former club and cut a frustrated figure on the left wing.
But he produced a good save from Verbruggen just before the half-time interval.
Subs
Riccardo Calafiori – 6
The Italian was thrown on to shore up the defence after Rice’s red card and did just that, as well as offering an outlet on the left wing.
Gabriel Martinelli – 5
Tried his best but failed to inject his usual energy into the game.
Oleksandr Zinchenko – 5
The Ukranian was brought on to further bolster the struggling defence but almost cost his side the game in stoppage time by allowing Carlos Baleba a free header in the box.
And another said: “Interesting, now where is he downgrading to.”
One remarked: “He has a good talent, but he can secure a position at Arsenal?”
Another chimed in: “OMG amazing player.”
Several Arsenal fans were quick to send the outgoing Rekik messages of support.
One wrote: “Wishing Omar Rekik all the best in his next chapter. Excited to see where he lands next.”
Another said: “Wishing Omar Rekik all the best in his future endeavours!
“It takes courage to ask for a change and pursue new opportunities.
“Hopefully, he’ll find a great fit and continue to grow as a player.”
